Eid Al-Adha (Tobaski) calls for The Gambia’s citizens to offer dedicated service, as corruption has significantly harmed the welfare of its populace. It is a time for all to reaffirm their dedication to the nation’s betterment.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Eid Al-Adha (Tobaski) calls for loyal service from the citizens of The Gambia, as corruption has greatly harmed the welfare of its people. It is a time for everyone to renew their commitment to improving the country. “Surely, Ibrahim was an example, obedient to Allah, naturally upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was thankful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him to a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next, he will surely be among the righteous.” Gambians, particularly Muslims, are urged to emulate the spirit of sacrifice, selflessness, and sincerity shown by Prophet Abraham (as) in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir. It is also a period for demonstrating charity, commitment, cooperation, compassion, and a sense of unity and oneness. Ultimately, it is a time to celebrate the principles, meaning, and essence of Islam.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as Tobaski, embodies profound messages, including its role as an outward declaration of faith. Annually, at the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims honor this sacred day, drawing inspiration from the extraordinary trials, victories, and steadfast faith of Prophet Abraham (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The remarkable narrative of Prophet Abraham (as) and his devotion to the Almighty teaches many worldwide about the virtues of obedience and submission to God’s will.
During this season, every Muslim is reminded to reflect on the acts of obedience and submission demonstrated by Prophet Abraham (as) and his family. When commanded to take Hajar (as), the esteemed lady of Islam, and their son Prophet Ismail (as) to an uninhabited land as a testament and tribute to his Creator, Prophet Abraham (as) embraced this daunting task with compliance and reverence to God’s directive.
Upon realizing the impending trial, Hajar (as) questioned Prophet Ibrahim (as) about his intentions to leave them in the valley as a sacrifice. Prophet Ibrahim (as) remained silent. Reflecting on his silence, she further inquired if it was Allah’s command for the Prophet to sacrifice her and her son, to which he affirmed. Accepting this, Hajar submitted to Allah’s will, trusting that God would not let her and Isma’il perish.
Moreover, as Prophet Isma’il (as) reached adulthood, Prophet Ibrahim (as) was once again divinely instructed to sacrifice him. Hearing this, he resolved to comply with God’s command. Just as he was ready to proceed, Allah announced that his willingness to sacrifice had already sufficed. His readiness to prioritize his devotion to God above all else, even to the point of sacrificing his life or the lives of his loved ones, was evident. Undoubtedly, the family of Prophet Ibrahim (as) has exemplified unparalleled obedience and submission throughout history. Their faith and resolve were repeatedly tested, yet they consistently showed steadfastness in patience, submission, and obedience.
Similarly, just as Prophet Ibrahim (as) faced trials to test his submission, we too shall be tested to see if we adhere to the Almighty’s decrees. Like adherents of other faiths observe their religious duties at specific times, Muslims find no better occasion than now to acknowledge that our endurance through hardship enhances our commitment to obedience. If we adhere to the tenets of our faith, we may hope to join Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his family in Paradise.
We must strive to enhance our obedience and submission to God during our brief time in this world. It’s crucial to remember that many who once celebrated Eid with us have now passed on. Our time to join them is unknown to us and known only to God. To bask in the spirit of Eid is to embrace an attitude of sacrifice for the sake of compassion and righteousness. Indeed, it is commendable to forgo personal pleasures or significant things in our lives. A true Muslim will always be ready to follow the Lord’s commands with complete submission and obedience. It is this courage, purity of faith, and willing compliance that our Lord seeks from us. During Eid al-Adha (Tobaski), we share meat primarily with our immediate family, relatives, friends, and the needy. This act represents our readiness to sacrifice our benefits or cherished things to obey Allah’s commands. It also signifies our eagerness to part with some of our blessings to reinforce bonds of friendship and assist those less fortunate, acknowledging that all blessings flow from the Almighty. We should thus open our hearts and share with others. Regardless of being Jews, Christians, or Muslims, we should convey the message of peace, sacrifice, and forgiveness that Prophet Abraham (as), the patriarch of all three faiths, bequeathed to us. The essence of Tobaski is recognizing our common ancestry. Hence, as we come together to celebrate the joys of Eid, we should endeavor to bolster our shared humanity, unity, and resolve our differences based on truth, fairness, and justice.
As Tobaski arrives, the meat will be consumed, and the “Eid Mubaraks” or “Tobaski” greetings will be shared, but our obedience and submission should remain steadfast during this period and beyond. Let us strive to perform good deeds, remembering that no one has a pact with the Angel of Death to postpone their demise until they decide to submit and obey their Lord. We recall the example of such submission from Prophet Abraham (as), Hagar, and their son Prophet Ishmael (as).
With another Eid Al-Adha (Tobaski) passing, I fondly recall my early years celebrating the festival. Although my excitement for the slaughtering of the ram may have waned since my youth, my love and appreciation for this time of year remain as strong as ever.
At this juncture, The Gambia requires the dedicated service of its citizens, as corruption has severely damaged the welfare of its people. Thus, there is a pressing need for everyone to recommit to improving the country. Contentment is a virtue esteemed and encouraged by all religions, races, and creeds, while covetousness and greed are universally condemned as vices, met with disdainful annoyance. As Gambians, we must rescue our nation from the current economic mire by scrutinizing the character of public office holders and ensuring that those in leadership are individuals of integrity.
Today, The Gambia faces a scourge named corruption, which has pervaded our society and burrowed into its very fabric like a cankerworm. From petty theft and minor underhanded dealings to grandiose manipulation and embezzlement, corruption has become a force of destruction. Alarmingly, those who are supposed to be the custodians of the constitution and the upholders of constitutional authority, the powerful and the responsible, have become the very architects of this decay.
The disheartened in Gambian society are beginning to feel a sense of relief and a renewal of life due to the actions of the current administration. As such, we must embrace a new era of leadership to fiercely confront and combat the challenges ahead.
The citizens must be determined to oppose the cabals who have looted and ravaged the nation’s wealth and ensure they face justice. President Adama Barrow must be wary of the ‘mixed multitude,’ which refers to those both within and outside his circle who have previously harbored significant secrets. He has urged the President to make sure that those responsible are held accountable.
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him. Thus, We have made them subject to you, that you may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you, and proclaim the good news to all who do right.” Holy Quran 22:37. O Allah, increase our piety and accept our worship during this period and beyond. Amen.
Fatoumatta: I hope Tobaski brings joy to families across the Gambia and the world as it has to mine. In this beautiful and auspicious time, I extend my best wishes to all observing the festival of Eid al-Adha and thank those who join in the celebration with us.
